Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

Musculoskeletal teaching programs

The Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery provide education opportunities for students, junior doctors, orthopaedic trainees, fellows and consultants to develop their competence in caring for patients requiring management and care for trauma and elective injuries and conditions.

These activities take place at Flinders University campus locations at Flinders Medical Centre, Repatriation General Hospital, Noarlunga Hospital and Alice Springs Hospital.

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

MD students are involved in:

Shadowing and observation - MD students at any year level are invited to contact the department for an opportunity to observe the care of trauma or elective patients in the orthopaedic wards and outpatient clinics.

Audits and research projects - Students at any year level are welcome to contact the department to discuss developing research projects or carrying out clinical audits.

Year 1 medical students

Hosting students are required to observe a doctor in action focusing on the development of communication skills.

Year 3 medical students

Surgical and anaesthetic term - this is a four-week attachment at RGH, participating in patient care in wards, theatres, outpatient clinics and involvement in department teaching activities.

TBL’s - specialist input for TBLs

Orthopaedic tutorials - weekly tutorials are held on differential diagnosis and examination for common orthopaedic injuries and conditions. These tutorials aim to provide a firm basis in musculoskeletal medicine and to prepare students for the end of year final examination.

GP Week - liaison on musculoskeletal content.Plastering and splinting - students are invited to improve their skills in common plastering and splinting techniques. For more information contact Cheryl Kimber, Nurse Practitioner on 8204 5389.

Year 4 medical students

For a six-week term, students are part of the orthopaedic team at FMC. They have an extensive involvement with patient care in wards, outpatient clinics and theatres.

Students participate in a managed program aimed at improving generic and specific skills and knowledge in musculoskeletal medicine and orthopaedic surgery.

Students on placement attend small group clinical anatomy sessions with senior consultants and registrars. These focused tutorials explore the anatomy of underlying common injuries and conditions, mechanisms of injury, examination techniques and management options.

Advanced Studies

The Advanced Studies program is an extension program that enables medical students to undertake quality research programs. The student has 135 hours per year of dedicated research time in their 2nd, 3rd and 4th years. The Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery hosts many of these students.

Australian Orthopaedic Association undergraduate workshop

This workshop is held for Year 4 students with an interest in orthopaedic surgery.

A successful candidate is chosen by interview and attends the workshop in whichever state or territory it is held in that year. Airfares and accommodation expenses are paid by the Australian Orthopaedic Association.

Undergraduate teaching

Department of Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgery staff lecture into undergraduate and postgraduate programs at Flinders including physiotherapy, nursing and midwifery.